How to Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're moving to Portugal from another EU country, the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) suggests that you change your license before you risk it getting lost or stolen. Here's how to do it.
A medical exam is required to start the process. The good news is that you can apply online and save time.
How to apply
To obtain an IMT license, you'll be required to attend a series of in theory and practical courses. These lessons are held in government-licensed facilities and taught by qualified instructors. The course is made up of 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of hands-on lessons. The cost of these lessons varies but you can save money by signing up with an agency that offers group lessons for less than $100.
The next step is to take the test in theory (exame de codigo). This exam is available online and at public institutions, and it is about 30 minutes long. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer with a computer. The questions are based off the syllabus that you studied in your preparatory classes. To pass the test, you must answer correctly 27 questions.
After passing the theory test, you'll need to pass the practical exam. You can take the test at a private driving school or at the IMT office. The test costs $30, and the IMT will provide you with a an interim driver's license to use while waiting to get your new licence.
You must have a valid passport, residence card or medical certificate as well as an attestation from your country of birth. The embassy is also able to notarize and authenticate documents for an additional fee.
To exchange your foreign driver's license to a Portuguese driving license it is necessary to visit the Institute for Mobility and Transport ("Instituto of Mobility and Transportes") office. It is recommended to arrive early as the office is usually very busy. If you are able, be there an hour before opening time.
The Instituto da Mobilidade e Transportes has launched an online platform that allows drivers to check when their driving license is due to renew. The platform is accessible to both Portuguese and non-Portuguese citizens. It also provides information about road traffic regulations and rules.
Requirements
If you're a resident in Portugal it is crucial to exchange your driving licence for one in Portuguese one whenever you can. Otherwise, you could face massive penalties. It is best to begin this process as soon as you are able after receiving your residence permit. It's also essential to inform the institute of mobility that you will be using your previous license, as this is legally required.
You must visit an IMT with all required documents. You must bring your driver's license, proof of address, a residence card, and a medical examination. The IMT must enlist a physician to conduct the medical exam. The doctor will issue a certificate specific to your license and send it directly the IMT through their online medical certificate platform.
You can then proceed to the driving test. The test takes between 40 and 50 minutes. You will be accompanied with an instructor, an examiner and a person who is taking the test. Be prepared to spend a long time driving back and forth.
If you are from a nation that doesn't have an agreement bilaterally with Portugal in which case you'll need to provide a certified translation of your driver's licence. This can be done by the issuing entity, or by the consular service. It should include categories that were obtained through examination and those obtained through equivalents. In addition, you'll need an assessment of psychological quality, which must be written by a licensed psychologist.
You must also submit a certified abstract of your driving record from the United States, which must be authenticated. You can find the list of state authorities that are authorised to perform this service here. This document is essential to the process of obtaining a driving license, as it can take up to a month to get from the U.S. Moreover, this process can be longer when the U.S. doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with the European Union. You should also take into consideration that the IMT may be insufficiently staffed, and the processing time may be long.
Fees
It isn't cheap to get your first license. Driving lessons aren't free, and the actual exam can cost you up to EUR250. It is important to begin the process as fast as you can in order to get your new license before the deadline. You could be penalized for a late fee for not submitting your application by the deadline.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport has launched an online service that lets citizens to get a certificate. The new service is a great alternative to visiting the IMT offices in person, and is a great idea for those looking to reduce time. The service is available to all drivers with the digital mobile key or citizen card. It lets them save 10% on the cost they would have paid at IMT offices. The certificate, which is adorned with a an updated design, is valid for 6 months and can be verified by scanning the QR CODE.
Once you have your documents in order, you can submit a request for an exchange of your driving licence. The IMT requires that you provide proof of your driving record. You can get this from the government or from an individual driving school. The embassy can assist you with the process of obtaining this document, but you should make sure that the apostille is on the document prior to sending it to the IMT.
If you're a resident of Portugal, and a citizen of the EU or EEA, you will need to exchange your driving licence to the Portuguese license within two years of having moved to Portugal. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT must provide the lost title certificate from your country of origin together with your driving license. The embassy can assist you by legalising your document.
The test in theory consists of 30 multiple-choice responses and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 of the 30 questions correctly. The questions are similar to those on the preparation classes. The test is conducted in a vehicle with an instructor and the candidate.
Timeframe
If you're planning to exchange your driving licence, be prepared to wait for a long time. Depending on the country in which you reside, you may need to submit other documents. If you're not sure what documents you'll require, make sure to look up the IMT website.
The IMT introduces a brand new service called "My Driving License." This platform online lets you check the status of your driver's license and see when it is time for you to renew. The IMT also offers a mobile app that helps you start the process of converting your American drivers license to one in Portugal. Portuguese one.
You can also report the theft or loss of your license by using the My Driving License platform. If you have lost or stolen your driving licence You must hand it over to the IMT. You will receive a new one after you have handed in the psychotechnical certificate.
Once you have uploaded all your required documents, you will receive an email from the IMT confirming that they have received your application. The IMT will review your application within a couple of weeks or days. Once they have processed it, they will notify you of the outcome via email or phone. If your driver's licence is not accepted, a new document will be issued that will allow you drive (but only within Portugal). The IMT will mail you a new Portuguese driving license via post.
It is best to schedule an appointment at the IMT when you first arrive in Portugal. If you don't have an appointment, you might have to wait for a while to be seen. It is important to bring your ID card along with your NIF number with you when you go.